Parents have praised the life-changing impact of a London charity that delivers access to sport to children with disabilities.
KEEN, which stands for ‘Kids Enjoying Exercise Now’, promises to deliver one-on-one training and physical activity for children with SEND, or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
The charity was founded by Oxford students in 2002 and now has three sites across London that run weekend, and weekday sessions for infants, in Lambeth, Hackney and Brent.
Shanel, a mum of two eight-year-olds with autism, said: “KEEN has been life-changing. That’s the only way I can put it.
“My son’s confidence completely blooms when he’s at KEEN. He’s so good at football but he just wasn’t able to shine at his local club because of his anxiety.
“He’s developed so much skill here.”
Shanel’s son is provided with one-to-one training, as is every child at KEEN.
Through the charity, he has found a sense of companionship, developed his social skills, and, after two years, feels ready to return to his local club.
Jay Jay, a ten-year-old with autism, was equally enthusiastic to share the joy KEEN has brought to his life.
He said: “KEEN London has helped me to regulate myself, it’s helped me to calm down faster.
“My confidence has really developed. I love KEEN.”
At the charity, children are called ‘athletes’, and the volunteers ‘coaches’, with Saturday morning sessions that run from 10:00-12:00 and afternoon sessions from 12:30-14:30.
Each athlete is provided with a coach, and sessions are tailored to their personal needs and development goals.
KEEN Fundraising Manager Kirstie Hayward emphasised the positive impact that access to sport can have on a child’s confidence.
The results are palpable and speak for themselves.
Hayward described how some non-verbal autistic children have uttered their first words at KEEN, while others have kicked a ball for the first time.
Research also points to wider benefits of sports participation.
Studies of young people with intellectual disabilities suggest that sporting opportunities can contribute to improved health and wellbeing, while research involving UK adolescents has identified an association between sports participation and self-esteem.
Sport, then, is far more than a physical activity – it is a powerful force of our social and mental wellbeing.
Hayward said: “We want to make sure there is no child left behind,
“The social element is the most important. There’s a real camaraderie. It’s about interaction.”
These benefits extend beyond the child: KEEN provides support to parents as well.
Hayward described that this sense of understanding is particularly valuable for parents, adding there is a strong parental community within the club, helping parents find common ground.
She said: “Often families struggle with going out in public, as sometimes the behaviours children with additional needs exhibit can be overwhelming.
“It’s important having that non-judgmental environment and respite.”
She added: “In the right environment, children are less scared, and behave better.”
Another mum of two eight-year-olds, Nkiru, said: “My kids every morning are asking when they can go back to KEEN.
“They are always looking forward to it. I know that they feel safe there”.
Shanel agreed: “Yes, absolutely safe. Absolutely happy.”
They are also evidence of the kindness of their volunteers, the beating heart of KEEN who give up their time every week to bring sport to children who may otherwise be deprived of it.
As Hayward put it: “Sport is a great vehicle because it’s fun, energetic and something to be shared.”
Anyone who wants to find more information or get involved with KEEN can visit the website and get in touch via the contact page.
Featured image credit: KEEN London
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